Support structure



g- 1932- E. A. LEARY SUPPORT STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 20, 1932 cog I6 gwuenliw Faye nefl. Lmzr g Patented Aug. 9, 1932 PATENT o FieE EUGENE .A. LEARY, OF GINGINNATI, OHIO SUPPORT STRUCTURE Application filed January 20, 1932. Serial No. 587,645.

This invention relates to a foldable or collapsible support structure.

An object of the invention is to provide such a device formed of separable members adapted to be interlocked in operative position to preclude collapsing of the device.

Another object is to provide such means adapted to serve as an undersupport and also as a supporting medium upon which to suspend objects.

Another object is to provide integral means in a device of the class described for assuring a rigid operative position of the device.

Another object is to provide a supporting structure simple in use and inexpensive in manufacture.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a device of the present invention operatively positioned and with an object suspended thereon.

Fig. 2 is a View taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view of one of the leg members of the invention shown in folded position. i

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3 with parts broken away.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the support beam of the present invention.

The support structure of this invention is adapted to fill the need for such means which are absolute proof against collapsing when in operative position. The device therefore is particularly adapted for use, for example, as a means for suspending a childs cradle, hammock, or the like, since the danger of collapse is entirely obviated by the means of this invention. Moreover the usual collapsible hinges, brackets, etc., commonly found on devices of this kind and which are undesirable because of the ready possibility of the fingers or clothing being caught therein, are substantially obviated by the means of this invention.

The device comprises a pair of leg memhere 8 and 9 adapted to support and be interlocked with a support beam 10. Each leg member comprises two elongated complementary sections 11 and 12. Both sections 11 and 12 are formed at theirtop ends with lateral extensions 13 and 14, extension 13 being of greater transverse width than section 14. The vertical edge of extension 13 is provided with a dovetail notch 15. The similar edge of extension 14 is plain and is hinged to the edge of extension 13 by suitable hinges 16 secured one on each side of the notch 15. A pair of opposed holes 17 is provided one each in theedges of extensions 13 and 14 (Fig. 4). A suitablehook 1.8 may be fastened upon the outer face of the extension 13 and a suitable receiving ring 19 for the hook-may be secured upon the outer. face .of'the extension 14. The two sections thus joined are adapted. to be hingedly moved into operative position clearly seen in Fig. 2 and in which position the opposed edges of extensions 13 and 14 .are locked in abutment with one another by means of the hook 18. The two sections forming each leg member are preferably downwardly divergent relative to one another so that said leg members are adapted for firm operative positioning to resist upsetting or tipping movement.

The support beam 10 consists of a single straight member of substantial size having its ends similarly cut to provide the abutmentsl 2O projecting laterally 'ateachend of the beam and the dovetailed extension 21 at each end of the beam. A stud 22 projects laterally of each extension 21.

-For associating the support beam the leg members, the latter are 'hingedly moved to the position shown in Fig. 3 so as to permit access to the notches l5. Said notches are of such size and formation as to snugly re ceive the extensions 21 of the support beam.

After such positioning of the extensions 21, the section 12 of each leg member is hingedly swung into operative position against the exposed side of the extension 21.. It will be seen in Fig. 2 thatthe greater transverse width of the extension 13 makes it possible that the notch 15, in the operative positionof the leg members,-is disposed in the central vertical line of the leg members.

for assuring a rigid positioning of the beam. The placing of the hook 18 into its receiving ring 19 looks the support structure in opera- At this ,7 time the studs 22 are seated in the holes17 cent the top thereof, a support beam having dovetailed ends snugly receivable in said notches and adapted to be locked therein upon movement of said sections into edgewise abutment, enlarged portions on the beam adjacent said ends and adapted to abut the inner sides of the leg members upon positioning of the beam, and means for releasably clamping the leg members in operative relationship.

In testimony whereof, I'have hereunto subscribed my name this 18th day of January,

I EUGENE A. LEARY.

tive position. It will be seen in Figs. 1 and v 5 that the outermost edges of the abutments 20 are so cutas to provide supporting surfaces 23 which lie flush against-(the inner.

face of the extension 13 of each leg'memher in operative position wherebythe whole device is further fortified against'loose frictional movement in operative position-..

As illustrated in Fig. 1, a number of rings 2% may be provided on the under edge of the beam 10 and upon which rings a childs cradle or other object may be suspended. It will be seen clearly in Fig. 2 that the suspended object is disposed in the central vertical line of the support structure so that danger of upsetting is rendered negligible. It

is likewise obvious that the device may be takenapartand stored away in a comparatively small space whenv not in use and, as above suggested, that its uses are various.

Nhat is-claimed is: 1. A foldable support structure consisting of a pair of leg members each comprising twosections provided at the top with lateral opposed extensions hingedly joined for edgewise abutment in operative position, one: of

said extensions being wider than the opposed extension and provided in its edge with a dovetail notchdisposed in the central vertical line of the operatively positioned leg memher, a support beam having dovetailed ends snugly receivable in said notches and adapted to be locked therein upon movement of saidnotch being provided in the abutting edge of one of said sections. in each leg member adj a- 

